The Outpouring of Love To The Community - THANKS To Houston County Commissioner Doug Sinquefield and Others

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Jan 04 2017 8:45 PM

HOUSTON COUNTY:      THANK YOU to the community for the outpouring of love to the families of the four ladies killed in the tornado on Monday evening in Houston County.

On Monday evening a host of volunteers risked their lives, stood in the rain, and worked together to remove the bodies of the four killed.

But recovery only after they RACED to the scene to work to see if lives could be saved. The saving of lives was the first primary goal of every responder, paid or volunteer, when Rehobeth Fireman Larry Strickland came over the radio that people were trapped on Leonard Road.

The first primary deputy was Houston County Sheriff Deputy Chad Hammack to arrive on the scene. With Hammick was Southern Junction Volunteer Fire Chief Matt Boster arriving with Hammick. And everyone's heart sank when he reported the deaths.

First, I want to thank the people in the Houston County Sheriff 911 Center. These men and women were slammed between 911 calls, deputies, volunteer fireman and EMS units. And Dothan 911 Center for having their backs in the rollover of 911 calls. 

These responders responded all over the county, and there is no way the volume of calls could have been handled without the responders.

First thanks to Houston County Commissioner Doug Sinquefield. I missed him because he arrived from behind the residence with the Excavator. But Commissioner Sinquefield arrived as "Doug the volunteer", but also as "Commissioner - what do y'all need and you will get it". Commissioner Sinquefield jumped in as a worker, in the rain, helping cut the tree and doing manual labor with the other volunteers in gaining access to the victims.

I missed him from where we both were. But those around him said he was very valuable and worked very hard that night. Commissioner Sinquefield, I apologize for missing you and from the bottom of my heart I THANK YOU for your unselfish devotion in the emergency response.

Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, Chief Deputy Jeff Carlisle, Captain Bill Rafferty. The Houston County Sheriff deputies and investigators. The primary investigator, Ricky Herring, thanks for your response.

Some volunteers told me that Sheriff Valenza included them on the decisions, treated all as team members, and they worked together. The volunteers told me Sheriff Valenza was a pleasure to be around and work around and how much they appreciated they manner in which he treated them.

The New Dothan - Houston County Emergency Management Director Chris Judah. He was managing the Emergency Operations Center at the Courthouse. When the tragedy struck the Deputy Directour was left in the EOC and Director Judah was on the scene. It was his second day on the job, but Judah was in the middle work "with" everyone in reaching the victim's. A lot of people have told me how forward they look towards the leadership and guidance that Judah brings to Dothan - Houston County Emergency Management.

And the staff of Dothan - Houston County Emergency Management. In a turbulent set of circumstances jumping in and working the manage resources.

The volunteer men and women in this county and adjoining counties. I can not say enough about each of you. Your dedication, your service, your work. Staying until everything was completed. Whether paid or volunteer, you are all rank number one in my book.

I am passionate about Emergency Service. Beginning when that 911 call rings to the job is complete, I am passionate about it. And often times I get harsh when things do not work right. But I have been in it since 1977. I have a love for emergency service and those who are paid or volunteer. Each one of, I LOVE EACH OF you because it is service to others you are devoted to. Service above self.

It is not our decision but GOD'S decision of the outcome. But I want you to know that my passion is for your safety, for you to have the resources needed, for the public to have the resources responding and arriving to save their lives. And each responder, law enforcement, fire, EMS, utilities, for you to arrive back at home safely. I have a love for each one of you because you but others above self.

Again to Houston County Commissioner Doug Sinquefield, I am the first to call you out when something appears wrong, but I want to make SURE you are applauded and people know of your devotion to respond Monday night. You work and attitude is applauded.

Tomorrow I have more to be recognized.

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